Submitted by
mason
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2008
Strengths: this bike has been used for a year and a half now and the only flaws have been in my comfort with some of the parts. the frame does everything you want it to. i used this bike in Florida, North Carolina singletrack around Asheville, Tennessee, and it has performed flawlessly. i used the pure V seat for a while but had to switch it out for a racier model because i used this bike to race and get rid of the ExiWolf's for my prefered tires, but other than that excellent bike.
Weaknesses: The Reba Fork blew out on me after 3 months but i sent it back to RockShox and they fixed it no charge, but that's not Bianchi's fault. The Exiwolfs, Suck in Florida so i had to get rid of them for some tires with less knob. the headset is crap but i used it until it wore out and replaced it, why replace it new when you can get some use out of it.
Bottom Line:
awesome bike would recommend it to anyone except I don't want everyone i know to have the same bike.
Similar Products Used: first foray into SS but have many other mountain bikes
Bike Setup: Stock except for SLR saddle, Shimano Pedals, Ritchey foam grips, Cane Creek sealed headset, Purple old Skool Avid Brake levers to go with the punishmint.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Eau Claire, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007
Strengths: I initially reviewed this bike after owning it for about a month, that was last winter. I'm doing an updated 1 year review....
I had a great time riding this bike over the summer. I logged countless miles on her. I did end up changing a few things, and have a few more things planned. Put some Oury grips on it, removed the reba fork and put on a surly steel fork. The reba worked great, but I never had it unlocked, so was running minimal suspension so I figured I would just remove it. I haven't been happier now that she's rigid. I'm going to swap the steel for a Pace RC31 sometime this winter. Also going to a shorter stem to fit me better. I had some avid juicy ultimates on it for most of the year but ended up getting rid of those and throwing the bb7's back on . The ultimates didn't perform like I wanted. I will be putting some El Caminos on over the winter. My bottom bracket is on its way out, but didn't give me any trouble over the summer. Overall I am 100% pleased with this ride, I've ridden a few 29ers and just didn't feel comfortable on them. I'm 5'7" so this bike just seems to fit better. It feels like I'm tearing through the woods on an oversized bmx bike. Very fun. I've been through a few different gears depending on my situation. Currently she's setup with a 33t surly front and a 17t boone ti in the back. Thats my do it all gear, especially if I'm not sure of the trail. I didn't find any hills I couldn't ride. She climbs like a beast with the rigid fork, that made some switchback climbing much more fun. I'm just rambling now, but after a year I'm very happy with this bike and won't be looking for a replacement for a couple of years.
Similar Products Used: surly 1x1, bianchi rita, redline monocog, bianchi wuss, and lots of other bikes converted to ss
Bike Setup: 33x17 gearing, rigid surly fork, bb7's currently but will be el caminos soon, continental twisters/explorers, egg beaters, ourys, will be easton monkey lites shorty but stock bars for now.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Winkler
a Downhiller
from San Luis Obispo,Ca.
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007
Strengths: Light weight, Great looking bike, Decent component spec, Excellent for hill climbs, and Tough. Fun to ride and Fast. Good race bike. Great rear WTB hub set-up.
Weaknesses: Low total rise of handlebar/stem feels too far forward and down on the front of the bike, especially on downhills. In a crash brake levers contact the top tube due to too low of bar height. Could be fixed with different Bar/Stem combo. Soft WTB Exiwolf tires wear fast, but have good traction. Comes with very cheap headset.
Bottom Line:
A great bike, very happy with purchase. Bianchi made a great bike which rides well and also looks good. Great single speed for racing. Only needs a couple minor component changes to be perfect.
Similar Products Used: Trek hardtail 4300, Specialized hardtail
Bike Setup: Stock except ODI lock-on grips, Crank Brothers pedals, Cane Creek headset, 18 tooth rear cog.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Berg
a Cross Country Rider
from Eau Claire, WI
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2006
Strengths: Well, this is Bianchis latest singlespeed warrior. It rides like all the others, handles great, and is fast as hell in the singletrack. Not much of a difference if any from the others but having a full easton aluminum frame and good components on a singlespeed never hurts. Great bike as expected from Bianchi. No complaints at all.
Weaknesses: Would like to have had hydraulic brakes on it from the start but they have never done that.
Bottom Line:
She's a monster, fast and quick, no problems, if you want a singlespeed bike, then you have your master at the LEWIS's hands. She's a beaut. Great bike, had her out for a few workouts and I'm very satisfied, can't wait for the 07 racing season..
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